Best Ever Make Ahead Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients for Best Ever Make Ahead Potatoes

• Potatoes
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chives

How to Make Best Ever Make Ahead Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C). Wash and scrub 4 large russet potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
2. Wrap each potato half in aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour, or until easily pierced with a fork.
3. While potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. Boil or steam 2 medium russet potatoes until tender. Alternatively, prepare one 32oz box of instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
4. Once baked, remove potatoes from oven and carefully scoop out the potato flesh from the skins, leaving about ⅛ inch of potato to maintain the shell's structure.
5. In a large bowl, combine the scooped baked potato flesh, prepared mashed potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup cooked bacon bits. Mix thoroughly.
6. Fill each potato skin generously with the potato mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for a decorative touch.
7. To keep warm, return stuffed potatoes to the oven at 200°F (95°C) for up to 30 minutes. Alternatively, assemble ahead of time and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving.